BASE Campaign Organizer

Position Available: BASE(Basement Apartments Safe for Everyone) Campaign Organizer

Overview of the Organization:

Chhaya is the only South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Community Development Corporation (CDC) in the nation. Chhaya builds equitable and thriving neighborhoods by fostering the self-determination, housing stability, and economic well-being of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities across New York City. Since our founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures; supported many at-risk tenants fight for their rights, assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, provided individuals with key immigration services, empowered families with financial management tools and skills, and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers. Our main office is in Jackson Heights and we have a second location in Richmond Hill - two neighborhoods with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.

Summary of the Position:

Chhaya is hiring a Full-time BASE Campaign Organizer. The BASE campaign started approximately 15 years ago when Chhaya saw how homeowners were struggling with the expenses and how tenants living in unregulated basements needed safety and affordability. In more recent years,in response to the climate crisis, the BASE campaign has taken other issues such as storm water surges.. The Campaign seeks to mobilize policy makers, elected officials as well as homeowners and tenants to ensure the establishment of a government led basement legalization program that meets the needs of basement tenants and homeowners, while ensuring that these are vulnerable to climate change. The BASE Organizer will play a critical role in the next phase of the campaign by leading the organizing efforts and collaborating with the BASE coalition steering committee in execution of its high-profile and demanding campaign. In the immediate term this role reports to the Deputy Director, which is subject to change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate in the coordination and leadership of the BASE Steering Committee.
• Collaborate in the Contribute to the campaign planning and execution to ensure that the critical policy changes are won.
• Plan and execute community events , including outreach, workshops and training.
• Develop plan and organizing strategies with the goal of creating a collective of on-the-ground stakeholders that can advocate for the BASE program and inform the direction of the campaign.
• Educate and engage community residents, elected officials and other interested parties about the campaign and the legalization program.
• Represent Chhaya and/or BASE coalition in other citywide campaigns and coalitions as necessary
• Expand support for BASE by building new relationships and strengthen existing ones with other community organizations.
• Develop popular education materials.
• Advocate with elected officials, which includes scheduling, preparing participants and developing written materials.
• Mobilize tenants for demonstrations, rallies and forums.
• Engage with the media as necessary.
• Develop and support community leaders through regular 1:1s and collective meetings.

Qualifications:

• Deep commitment and passion for social justice, and grounded by connection to the needs and issues facing low-income South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers
• A strong analysis of racism and oppression and how structural racism affects the SAIC community in NYC.
• Interested in understanding the different perspectives and needs of diverse community stakeholders.
• 2 years of work experience in community organizing, political campaign planning, or working in housing rights within a non-profit setting.
• Fluency using technology, including but not limited to computers, scanners, cell phones and related applications such as Google Suite, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Zoom, etc.
• Strong writing and research skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into colloquial language for community education materials and workshops.
• Experience with public speaking and one-to-one community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strong relationships with governmental agencies, elected officials, non-profit organizations, other community groups, and other stakeholders
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and provide timely and clear updates to supervisors
• Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through
• An ability to be flexible and willingness to wear “multiple hats”, when needed
• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work some weekends and evenings, with travel to Albany when needed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Fluency in Bangla, Nepali, Tibetan or other South Asian language language
• Understanding of New York legislative landscape particularly on the city and state levels a plus
• Sense of humor – a plus

Salary Range: $52,000 - $57,000, depending on years of experience.

This position is a full-time, hybrid position.

This is a bargaining unit position with the Transport Workers Union, TWU.

Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and a brief writing sample to careers@chhayacdc.org with the subject line “BASE Organizer – Application”.

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2024. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.